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Medieval monks were early ecologists and left a wealth of knowledge for later generations of gardeners

A poetic horticultural book by a 9th century monk is still inspiring today’s gardeners. Professor Giles Gasper, in our Department of History, explains the important influence medieval monks had on ecology, growing plants for food and medicine, and keeping livestock.
A photograph of Durham Cathedral and Castle as seen from the Milburngate side of the River Wear. The castle's keep and cathedral's towers can be seen above the tree line against a blue sky with white clouds. The river is in the foreground and is crossed by the stone Framwellgate Bridge.